for relieving oneself, it is recommended that he keep away from people so that he is in a secluded spot, screening himself from view behind a wall, a tree, or anything similar. It is unlawful for him to face the qibla or turn his back to it while relieving himself; rather, he should angle himself away from it, for the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—forbade both facing and turning one’s back to the qibla in that circumstance. He must also protect himself from urine splashes, choosing soft ground for his urine so that nothing rebounds onto his body or clothing.

He may not touch his private parts with his right hand. Likewise, he is not permitted to relieve himself on people’s pathways, in their shade, or at their water sources, because the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—prohibited that due to the harm and annoyance it causes others.

He should not enter the lavatory carrying anything that bears the name of Allah or contains Qurʾanic text. If he fears for the safety of such an item, it is permissible to bring it in provided he keeps it covered.

He ought not to speak while relieving himself; a hadith states that Allah detests such behavior, and reciting the Qur’an at that moment is forbidden.

When he has finished, he is to cleanse the outlet by performing istinja, washing the area with water.